Halitosis, better known as bad breath, is a medical condition that’s not only uncomfortable but also embarrassing. This condition can alienate you and make it socially awkward for you to mingle with others. Don’t mistake this for the occasional bad breath, because halitosis is persistent and can negatively impact your self-esteem and image. Given Melbourne’s bustling social scene, it can be hard to interact with others if you suffer from this. Fortunately for you, there are a couple of ways you can prevent and combat this embarrassing mouth condition, thanks to your Melbourne dentist.
What causes halitosis?
There are a lot of factors that cause bad breath, such as certain foods, an underlying medical condition, bad habits, or poor oral hygiene. The pungency of the odor also varies depending on the cause; some are very strong while others have a vague odor. Ultimately, bad breath starts in your mouth, and here are the most common causes.
Smoking tobacco. Smoking, especially tobacco, is detrimental to your overall health. Not only does it stain and rot your teeth, but it could also be the underlying cause of your bad breath. Moreover, people who smoke are also prone to developing gum diseases, so if you’re suffering from inflamed or bleeding gums, it’s best to head straight to emergency dentist Toorak.
Food. One of the more obvious reasons for your bad breath may lie in the food you eat—especially if you’re fond of eating spicy food, as well as dishes that are filled with garlic and onion. These three are notorious for causing bad breath, and it’s even worse if there are remaining food particles in your mouth even after brushing; the longer they stay there, uncleaned, the worse their odor will be.
Poor oral health. It’s a given that we must all brush, floss, and use mouthwash at least twice daily. But some people, maybe due to laziness or other medical conditions, cannot do so. Over time, plaque and tartar buildup will start forming on your teeth and along the lining of your gums. These also contribute to halitosis, and if left unchecked, could progress into gum diseases like gingivitis or, in the worst-case scenario, periodontitis. If you suspect yourself of having gum disease, it’s best to get yourself checked at Toorak dentist so they can assess and recommend the necessary procedures for treatment.
Mouth infections. If you recently had mouth surgery or have mouth sores, these two are the main contributors to bad breath.
Medicines. Some people are required to intake medicine for their conditions, and once these medicines are broken down as chemicals, they carry over a smell that causes bad breath.
How to prevent halitosis?
Believe it or not, the answer to your bad breath woes is right in front of you: consistent oral care. This, paired with a couple of lifestyle and habit changes, will help you get rid of bad breath for good.
Practice good oral hygiene.
To combat bad breath, the best and most effective way is to keep practicing good oral care, such as below:
Brush your teeth religiously. Brushing your teeth twice daily for at least two minutes is a good way to keep odor-causing bacteria away from your teeth. Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste to give your teeth added protection. Make sure when you brush your teeth, you cover all surfaces, including the inner, outer, and chewing parts.
Floss regularly. Food particles can get stuck in between your teeth as well as in hidden crevices of your mouth. Not only will this become a hotspot for bacterial growth, but tartar and plaque buildup grow easier where there are remaining food particles. Make sure to floss at least once a day, before bed, so you can sleep tight knowing the spaces in between your teeth are clean.
Clean your tongue. Many people overlook cleaning their tongue, but it’s crucial to do so since the back of your tongue can house bacteria as well. Clean your tongue with a toothbrush or tongue scraper to get rid of food debris and bacteria.
Use mouthwash. When it comes to using mouthwash, it’s best to ask your dentist for their recommendation first. Often, they will suggest rinsing your mouth with antibacterial or alcohol-free mouthwash. Mouthwash with fluoride is also ideal since it helps cover your teeth with an extra layer of protection against plaque and keeps your breath fresh.
Address underlying concerns.
Practicing good oral hygiene is only half of the battle because you must also tackle the underlying reasons why you have bad breath.
Get yourself checked for gum disease. When you suffer from gum disease, there will be pockets in between your teeth and gums that can trap food, further adding to bacterial growth and bad breath. To avoid this from happening, make sure to attend your regular dental checkups and have your teeth professionally cleaned by the dentist.
See if you have a dry mouth. Otherwise referred to as xerostomia, dry mouth is a condition wherein your mouth is not producing enough saliva, which spells trouble for your mouth. Saliva is crucial in washing away food particles and neutralizing acids, so in the absence of it, you’re more likely to suffer from bad breath and a horde of other oral issues. If you’re experiencing dry mouth, consult with your dentist or doctor to identify its cause and explore treatment options.
Check for dental issues. Tooth decay, cavities, plaque, and other dental issues harbor bacteria that further contribute to bad breath. To prevent these from worsening, make sure to head to your resident dentist to get checked and to receive prompt treatments.
Make dietary and lifestyle changes.
The food you consume also plays a large part in your halitosis. On top of lessening spicy and garlicky foods, here are other things you could also do.
Be mindful of what you eat. If you’re attending social events, take it easy on dishes that have a lot of spices, garlic, and onions in them. While you’re at it, make sure to lie low on the sugary foods and drinks since it can contribute to both cavity buildup and gum disease.
Stay hydrated. After eating, make sure to drink water to not only keep yourself hydrated but also to wash away food particles inside your mouth.
Limit alcohol consumption. Alcohol can stain your teeth, and it can also contribute to dry mouth, thus increasing the chances of bad breath.
Quit smoking. Finally, ditch the cigar to lower your chances of bad breath as well as respiratory issues.